Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Advocates for Children Honors Volunteer Leaders

Craig and Kimberlin named Exemplary Advocates

Columbus, IN:  Advocates for Children recently honored several of its CASA volunteers who have distinguished themselves over the past two years.

Sharon Craig and Gary Kimberlin were each named Exemplary Advocates. 

Sharon has served no fewer than 5 cases and has served as many as 3 at once, all the while maintaining a reputation for dependability, dedication, resourcefulness and compassion.

Gary was trained in 2007 and has become the epitome of what a CASA should be, remaining truly objective and solely focused on the best interest of the child, no matter how contentious his cases may become.

Each year, a CASA volunteer is required to complete 12 hours of in-service training to keep up to date on the latest issues that may affect the children in their cases.  Roberta Keller has doubled the training requirements, completing 24 hours of training in 2011, and was recognized for her tremendous commitment.

 Connie Marbach and Kathleen Sheehy, were each recognized for a decade of service as CASA volunteers, and Linda Thompson was honored as Advocates for Children’s longest serving CASA, with over 18 years spent working on behalf of local children.

At the other end of the spectrum, Tiffany Sloan received the Rookie of the Year Award for the great promise and initiative she has demonstrated in her first year as a CASA volunteer.  Tiffany has already accepted two cases as a CASA and delivered thorough reports on each.

Two CASA volunteers were honored for the work they have done which not only brought local but regional recognition.  Jo-Ann Swank received the Going the Extra Mile (“GEM”) award from the Bartholomew County Volunteer Action Center, and Bud Herron was named Indiana State CASA of the Year in 2010.  Each were commended by Advocates for Children.

Karen Ames, Jeannie Gravins, and Cindy Rose were each recognized for the tenacity with which they pursue their cases and named Advocates for Children’s Bulldog Pack, and for their quiet but tireless approach, Sally Binnie, Carolyn Doxsee, Janet Green and Barbara Warner were named this year’s Steel Magnolias.

“It’s a real pleasure to honor these outstanding CASA volunteers,” said Advocates for Children Executive Director Therese Miller.  “I really shines a light on the work that’s being done day in and day out on behalf of our community’s most vulnerable children.  And with nearly 200 children waiting for CASA volunteers right now, that message has never been more important.”

Advocates for Children is a not-for-profit agency which provides trained, qualified advocates to serve the best interests of children who have been removed from their families due to issues of abuse or neglect in Bartholomew, Decatur, and Jennings Counties.

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